Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.

The leader coordinated ambush and roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces and enforced Sharia law throughout the area.

The security force detained one additional suspected insurgent during the operation.

In other Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A combined force seized an improvised explosive device and detained multiple suspects in the Marjah district of Helmand province.

-- In the Garm Ser district of Helmand province, a combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained two suspects. The facilitator coordinated the movement of roadside-bomb materials, weapons and suicide bombers for use in attacks against Afghan forces in the district.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader and detained multiple suspects in the Musahi district of Kabul province. The leader coordinated and conducted attacks against Afghan officials. The security force also seized more than 100 pounds of narcotics.

-- A coalition force detained numerous suspects in the Sayyidabad district of Wardak province. The detainees were sought for questioning about their roles in recent IED attacks against combined forces.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for a Haqqani network leader in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Logar province. The detainee is linked to attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Deh Yak district of Ghazni province, a combined force killed one insurgent and detained multiple suspects during a search for a Taliban leader. The leader coordinates roadside bombings in northeastern Ghazni province and also is responsible for attacks against convoys in the Andar and Deh Yak districts. Multiple weapons were confiscated during the operation.

-- A combined force captured a Haqqani network leader and detained numerous suspects in the Chamkani district of Paktia province. The leader distributed rockets, firearms and roadside-bomb components, and coordinated insurgent attacks throughout the Sabari district of Khost province.

-- Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the Nov. 12 roadside bomb incident in the Ali Angar district of eastern Laghman province that reportedly killed nine Afghan civilians, including a woman and child.

"This is another sad example of the insurgency's absolute lack of respect for civilian life," Allen said. "Over the past week, we have seen many more innocent Afghan citizens dying at the hands of the Taliban.

"Apparently, the Taliban do not care about the Afghan people," Allen continued. "Their leaders have lost control over their fighters, which is particularly troubling at this sacred time of year. If specific guidance given during the holy period of Eid doesn't stop insurgents from killing civilians, then what will?

"Once again, I call on Mullah Omar to rein in these despicable acts and to publicly condemn these senseless attacks upon the Afghan population," Allen concluded.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent and detained multiple suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Khost province. The leader coordinates and participates in attacks against combined forces and provides information to Haqqani network leaders. The security force confiscated an assault rifle.

-- A coalition force seized a weapons cache containing several radios and other communications gear, one 107 mm rocket, two rocket-propelled grenade rounds, and IED-making materials in the Shah Joy district of Zabul province.

-- In the Maiwand district of Kandahar province, a combined force detained a Taliban facilitator, several other individuals, and seized two pistols. The facilitator operated in the Maiwand district and is linked to the kidnapping of several Afghan soldiers. The facilitator also provided funds, weapons and equipment to his network.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader is a member of the Helmand Taliban Military Commission and is responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Zarghun Shahr district of Paktika province. The leader directs an insurgent cell in the district and is responsible for numerous IED and rocket attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force confiscated one rifle during the operation.

-- A combined force detained a Haqqani network leader in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province. The leader was directly involved in the placement of several roadside bombs in the province's Pul-e 'Alam district.

In Nov. 11 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined force detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader participates in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and coordinates IED attacks in the district's upper Gereshk Valley.

-- A combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for a Taliban IED facilitator in the Arghandab district of Kandahar province. The facilitator was directly involved in a recent attack against a coalition base in the area.

-- A combined force detained several suspects in the Rodat district of Nangarhar province.

-- A combined force seized drug-processing materials in the Mohmand Darah district of Nangarhar province. The force also found 682 pounds of ammonium in a nearby storage unit.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent and detained multiple suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Ghazni district of Ghazni province. The leader participates in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district.

-- In the Zarghun Shahr district of Paktiya province, a combined force detained multiple suspects during a search for a Haqqani network leader. The leader is responsible for numerous attacks against combined forces in the region.

-- A combined force conducted a search for a Taliban and Hezb-e Islami Khalis leader operating in the Khugyani district of Nangarhar province. The leader directs Taliban and HIK militants, and facilitates the purchase and movement of small arms and IEDs across the province.

In Nov. 10 Afghanistan operations:

-- In the Kahmard district of Bamyan province, a weapons cache containing two 107 mm rockets, two 82 mm mortar rounds and 2,600 rounds of machine gun ammunition was turned over to combined forces as part of a local disarmament program.